Properties of materials
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can compare and group together materials based on their simple properties: rigidity, transparency, electric conductivity and magnetism.
Key learning points
- A material is the substance from which something is made.
- The physical properties of a material are the features that can be observed or measured.
- Different materials have different physical properties.
- Scientists test materials to investigate their physical properties.
- Materials can be compared and grouped on the basis of their physical properties.
Keywords
Material - A material is the substance that objects are made from such as wood, metal or plastic.
Physical properties - The physical properties of a material are the features that can be observed or measured.
Transparent - Transparent materials let light pass through so you can see clearly through them.
Electrical conductor - An electrical conductor is a material that allows electricity to pass through it easily.
Magnetic - Magnetic materials are materials that are attracted to magnets.
Common misconception
All materials of a given type, such as wood, metal and plastic have the same properties.
Children will consider examples of different objects made from different types of wood, metal and plastic to promote discussion of the properties of materials.
Teacher tip
Remind children of the importance of distinguishing between objects and the materials they are made from. Model referring to items using the name of the material as well as the name of the item, e.g. a steel paperclip.
Equipment
See additional materials: a range of materials to test; a simple circuit to test electrical conductors and magnets.
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What are materials?
Q2.Which of these are materials?
Q3.Which one of these materials is made by humans?
Q4.Which of these materials are metals?
Q5.Which of these materials is a gas at room temperature?
Q6.Which materials are not attracted to magnets?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.A is the substance from which something is made.
Q2.What do you call the features of a material that can be observed or measured?
Q3.Which of these would be the best way for scientists to find out about the physical properties of materials?
Q4.How do the physical properties of materials compare to each other?
Q5.After testing the physical properties of a range of materials, how could scientists use their results?
Q6.Which of these materials can be transparent?
To help you plan your 5 science lesson on: Properties of materials, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 5 science lesson on: Properties of materials, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 science lessons from the Properties, changes and separating materials unit, dive into the full primary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.